“They’re All Gone”: TikTok Ban Didn’t Last Long, But Caused Many Heated Reactions Globally

It’s official — TikTok has been banned from the United States, leaving many lovers of the Chinese-based video app confused and uncertain. 

As Americans, or those who created their account while in America, tried to log on to the social media platform, one message popped up, approximately two and a half hours before it was initially set to go dark at the stroke of midnight on January 19.

After detailing that TikTok was temporarily unavailable, it read, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.

“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”

Update: the app is back online in the United States, at the time of writing. The reactions gathered below were posted prior to the ban and as a result, the most recent news. 

TikTok is now banned in the United States

A person holding a phone with TikTok app open, related to US ban reactions.

Image credits: cottonbro studio / Pexels

But while it was banned a few hours earlier than expected, many American content creators have known this day would come for a while now. 

In the days leading up to the app shutting down, a variety of users have posted tributes in honor of their time on TikTok — whether that be hilarious memes or emotional speeches. 

For a New York-based influencer, the app was a place to show off her true colors.

TikTok users react to US ban, meme with "I was not ready for this today" text.

Image credits: jmgrant516

Bro tiktok literally started glitching as i was saving videos and BOOM its gone pic.twitter.com/7saXM6LmDu

— Ani ⭐️ (@beomsstar) January 19, 2025

“In a world where there’s so much judgment, TikTok provided a place where I can be free, I can be cringe, I can be who I am,” she said, adding, “I shouldn’t cry about something so stupid, but it really changed my life.”

Arielle Fodor, a former kindergarten teacher who was on the hunt for connections, echoed a similar sentiment, “The people that I saw on my For You Page ended up becoming my real life friends.” 

Others saw it as an opportunity to talk about their passions.

American creators flocked to the app prior to its ban to express their gratitude

Person reacting emotionally to US TikTok ban news, wearing a red sweater indoors.

Image credits: emilyesenn

@emilyesenn It’s my turn to cry on the internet about the TikTok ban #tiktokban#cryingintheclub#talking♬ original sound – Emily Senn

“I owe you everything,” stated Nicolette Beebe, an editor and romantasy author, who found her voice through the app. “You all allowed me to be a part of your booktok journey with open arms and gave me such a safe space to be myself.

“I cannot thank you enough.” 

Many creators, especially those who had more than a million followers, used TikTok as a primary source of income, as well as a way to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

But those known for their humorous content never strayed from that brand as the app’s shutdown date loomed closer.

Many found their community and passions through TikTok

Two people reacting to the TikTok US ban, standing indoors with surprised expressions.

Image credits: ongsquad

@ongsquad Where are you watching from?@ongsquad on all socials 🙏#tiktokban#byetiktok#goodbyetiktok#canadian♬ original sound – Étienne Najman

Joe Mele, best known for his videos with his dad, poked fun at the situation for his 30.5 million followers. 

“Us moving to China bc TikTok is getting banned,” read the text overlay as he and his father gave a dramatic slow-motion salute as they walked off with their respective luggages. 

TikTok app unavailable message on screen, referencing global reaction to US ban.

Image credits: koleeez

Another creator whose profile centered around musical artists gave a hilarious theatrical reaction to an X tweet that said: “A bill has been filed by Senator Markey to extend TikTok’s ban deadline by 270 days.” 

“Guys we are so back,” she said, hopefully.

But of course, there was no drought of hilarious content as well

Two men walking down a road with luggage, reacting to TikTok ban, exploring life unplugged from the Matrix.

Image credits: mmmjoemele

@cinema.miranda Guys we are so back (lowk wanted to know what people would do without tiktok) #foryoupage#foryou#fyp#tiktokban#notiktokban#tiktokissafe#icanstillbrainrot#warisover♬ original sound – 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒

There was certainly a lot of conversation about what the future of TikTok looked like, with users debating whether an extension would be implemented or if it was really going to disappear on the 19th. 

Now that the day has come and gone, and Americans are officially off the app, those from other countries are poking their heads in to offer their two cents.

“how it feels going to bed knowing tiktok was carried by americans and just won’t be the same,” wrote a woman from Canada, adding, “they are so funny im gonna miss them.”

TikTok user wearing headphones visibly emotional, reflecting on TikTok ban impact.

Image credits: chloebluffcakes

“They’re all gone,” said an Australian creator. “Is it safe to say it’s 28 [degrees] celsius now..” 

A few others also joked about how the app was going to be “so much smarter now,” making light-hearted jokes about the American influencers, as well as their government. 

Just last night, a creator posted a compilation of Shou Zi Chew — the CEO of TikTok, who also happens to be a Singaporean businessman — answering questions asked by the U.S. Senate.

“If I turn on airplane mode in a plane, can TikTok talk to the plane?”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗯𝗲 | Editor & romantasy Author (@33nbeebe)

“Can you tell me: If you turn on airplane mode in a plane, can TikTok talk to the plane?” asked a member. While Mr. Chew’s reaction was cut from the video, viewers can see his eyes go blank in shock for a moment before the clip ends. 

But now that the ban has been enacted, 170 million Americans are asking one thing.

Will TikTok come back?

Ranking of TikTok ban questions, highlighting users' reactions to the US ban.

Image credits: malsk0123

@malsk0123 TikTok ceo ranking #fyp#viral#meme#tiktok♬ original sound – appleuser87882359

Right now, there’s no definite answer. With president-elect Donald Trump taking office on Monday, January 20, much of the decision will lie in his hands.

According to Barrons, he said he has plans on issuing an executive order to lift the ban that day and asked companies to “not let TikTok stay dark.”

He additionally told NBC News that he will be giving the Chinese owner of the app 90 days from when he takes office to find TikTok a non-Chinese buyer.

The “crashouts” have already begun

Tweet reacts to US TikTok ban, mentions being "unplugged from the matrix," with 4 likes and timestamp of Jan 19, 2025.

Image credits: AndrewB57145127

Tweet about TikTok users' reaction to US ban, mentioning "Ticktok Crashout" and getting popcorn ready.

Image credits: royal_bobby24

TikTok user reacts to US ban, expressing hope for continued access to American videos in the feed.

Image credits: GaiasOpulence

TikTok user's reaction to US ban, expressing boredom without the app, shared in a tweet.

Image credits: Thee_ashy_larry

Tweet about TikTok ban, humorously suggesting turning Twitter into TikTok in response.

Image credits: TheDayAmazing

Tweet by a user discussing peace experienced without TikTok amidst a US ban.

Image credits: im_sama_

TikTok user reacts humorously to US ban, expressing confusion on their phone.

Image credits: bubblyqueefs

Tweet about TikTok app ban with a heartbroken emoji, posted by a user named Patricia.

Image credits: Patricia01Real

Tweet reacts to US ban, expressing concern over unpaid bills, with a broken heart emoji, from user @SOVEREIGNDSPEED.

Image credits: SOVEREIGNDSPEED

Tweet about unplugging from the matrix, discussing TikTok ban impacts on time management and addiction.

Image credits: Mrjaksman

TikTok user reacts to US ban, tweeting about opening the app from muscle memory.

Image credits: helenaakln

Tweet about Gen Z and job applications in response to the TikTok US ban.

Image credits: stephskiii_

TikTok user comments on US ban: "Lmaooo it’s time y’all get a real job" with two laughing emojis.

Image credits: nekoismystery

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